Trust is essential in our daily lives—but it's also what scammers exploit most. In this episode of SipCyber, Jen Lotze visits Central Park Coffee in Owatonna, MN, to discuss two evolving scams that prey on human trust: quishing (QR code fraud) and pig butchering (romance investment scams). From fake QR codes on restaurant tables to elaborate romance frauds that drain life savings, these threats are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.

Jen breaks down how these scams work, shares real-world examples, and delivers practical defense strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're scanning a menu or chatting with someone online, this episode equips you with the knowledge to recognize manipulation tactics before it's too late.

What You'll Learn:

• How "quishing" works and why QR codes are the new phishing vector
• The disturbing mechanics of pig butchering romance scams
• Specific red flags to watch for in both physical and digital spaces
• Practical verification steps before clicking, calling, or sending money
• Why urgency + money requests = major warning signs

Don't become the next victim. Subscribe for weekly cybersecurity tips delivered from coffee shops across the country, and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

#Cybersecurity #QRCodeScams #RomanceFraud #Quishing #PigButchering #ScamAwareness #InfoSec #CyberSafety #SipCyber

That urgent text about a package delivery? That call from "your bank"? They might be scams designed to steal your personal information. In this episode of SipCyber, Jen Lotze breaks down smishing (SMS phishing) and vishing (voice phishing)—two increasingly common tactics scammers use to bypass your email filters and catch you off guard.

☕ Featured Coffee Shop: The Whistle Punk in Stone Lake, WI—known for incredible breakfast burritos, rustic lake vibes, and being the favorite stop for families visiting the Northwoods.

🔐 What You'll Learn:

• What smishing and vishing are and how they work
• Real-world examples of text and phone scams
• Why caller ID can't be trusted (spoofing explained)
• Simple verification steps to protect yourself and your family
• How to spot fake technical support calls

Whether you're protecting yourself, your parents, or your business, this episode gives you practical, no-nonsense tips to stay one step ahead of scammers. Don't let a convincing text or call become your worst cybersecurity mistake.

👉 Subscribe for weekly cybersecurity tips that actually make sense—no technical jargon required.

#cybersecurity #smishing #vishing #scamawareness #phishing #infosec #digitaldefense #familysafety #sipcyber

What if a criminal could steal your phone number and use it to break into every account you own? That's exactly what happens in a SIM swap attack—and it's more common than you think.

In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze explains how attackers trick mobile carriers into transferring your phone number to their device, bypassing multi-factor authentication and gaining access to your banking, email, and social media accounts. The good news? There's a simple, powerful defense that takes less than five minutes to set up.

🔐 What You'll Learn:

• How SIM swap attacks work and why they're so dangerous
• Why your phone number is the key to your digital identity
• The one simple step that stops SIM swaps cold
• How to add a secure PIN to your mobile carrier account

Don't let hackers hijack your phone number. Protect yourself in minutes with this essential security tip. Like, share, and subscribe for more cybersecurity advice that actually makes sense!

#SIMSwap #Cybersecurity #PhoneSecurity #MFA #DigitalSafety #CyberTips #InfoSec

What if someone could steal your house without ever stepping foot on your property? It happened to Graceland—and it could happen to you. In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze breaks down the growing threat of property fraud while sipping coffee at the vintage-inspired Maqua Coffee in Roseville, MN.

Property fraud isn't just about stolen credit cards or compromised bank accounts. Criminals are forging house deeds and claiming ownership of real properties—and most homeowners have no idea until it's too late. But there's a simple, free solution that takes just minutes to set up.

In this episode:

• What property fraud is and why it's a growing threat
• The shocking story of the Graceland deed theft attempt
• How your house deed works as proof of ownership
• A free property fraud alert system that protects your home
• Step-by-step guidance to secure your most valuable asset

This isn't theory—it's practical protection for your real-world security. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or have owned property for decades, this tip could save you from a nightmare scenario.

Don't let cybercriminals target your physical assets. Set up your property fraud alert today and subscribe for more practical security tips that make sense!

#PropertyFraud #Cybersecurity #HomeSecurity #RealEstateFraud #DigitalSecurity #SipCyber

What if your coffee habit could teach you one of the smartest cybersecurity moves for protecting your money? In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze takes us on a virtual trip to Nomad Coffee Bar in Enfield, Ireland—a dreamy, pink-hued sanctuary—to deliver a financial security tip that every traveler, parent, and online shopper needs to hear.

Jen breaks down the "credit card safety net" principle: why using credit cards instead of debit cards creates a crucial buffer between fraudsters and your actual bank account. It's not just about fraud protection—it's about smart cyber hygiene in an increasingly digital world. Plus, she shares why a low-limit credit card might be the perfect first card for your teen, building both security habits and credit history.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why debit cards are like handing hackers direct access to your checking account
• How credit cards function as a "gift card" safety buffer against fraud
• The dispute process advantage when fraud hits your credit card
• Smart first-card strategies for teens that build credit and security awareness
• Real-world travel security tips for international purchases

Don't let convenience compromise your security. Hit subscribe for more actionable tips that protect what matters most—your money, your data, and your peace of mind.

#cybersecurity #fraudprevention #financialsecurity #creditcards #travelsecurity #sipcyber #infosec #cyberawareness

Enjoying coffee at a cozy booth in Greenbridge Coffee got me thinking: why don't our social media profiles feel as secure as this space? The uncomfortable truth is that most apps default to "public"—meaning strangers can see your posts, photos, and even your real-time location. In this episode of SipCyber, we're breaking down how to lock down your digital life in just 5 minutes, starting with the privacy settings most people never touch.

What You'll Learn:

• Why default privacy settings leave you exposed to strangers
• How to switch from "public" to "friends only" (or private)
• The hidden danger of location sharing in apps like Snapchat Snap Map
• Why your kids' followers might see more than you think
• A simple 5-minute action plan to secure your social media accounts

Don't let your digital life be an open door. Take control today, and make your online presence as secure as your favorite coffee shop booth.

#SocialMediaPrivacy #CyberSecurity #PrivacySettings #OnlineSafety #ParentingTips #SnapchatPrivacy #LocationSharing #DigitalSecurity

What if that urgent email from "Amazon" isn't from Amazon at all? Before you click that link, you need to know what to look for—because phishing scams have gotten scary good, and they're counting on you to act fast without thinking twice.

In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze visits Waystone Coffee in River Falls, WI, to share a simple but powerful cybersecurity tip: how to recognize phishing attempts before they compromise your personal information. With AI making scam emails more convincing than ever, Jen breaks down the essential verification steps that anyone can use to stay safe online. Whether it's a fake bank alert or a "too good to be true" offer, this episode gives you the detective skills to spot the red flags.

What You'll Learn:

• The three telltale signs of a phishing email or text
• Why "verify, then trust" is your best defense against scams
• How to check sender authenticity without clicking suspicious links
• Why urgency is a scammer's favorite weapon—and how to resist it
• One actionable habit that dramatically reduces your risk

Whether you're protecting your personal accounts or just trying to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, this episode gives you practical, easy-to-follow guidance that works. Don't let scammers win—take control of your digital security today.

#phishing #emailsecurity #cybersecurity #scamawareness #digitaldefense #infosec #cyberscam #onlinesafety #securitytips #sipcyber

Think public Wi-Fi is harmless? Think again. In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze breaks down exactly why connecting to that coffee shop network is like broadcasting your most sensitive information to everyone around you.

Discover why your phone's 5G connection is actually safer than that "free" airport Wi-Fi, and learn the one simple habit that could save you from becoming the next data breach victim. This isn't just theory—it's practical security advice you can implement immediately.

🔐 Key Topics Covered:

• Why unencrypted public networks expose your personal data
• How 5G/LTE provides better security than public Wi-Fi
• The role of VPNs as encrypted tunnels for your traffic
• One actionable step to protect yourself today
• Simple habits that offer maximum security protection

Your digital security starts with smart choices. Don't let convenience compromise your data—this episode gives you the knowledge to stay protected in our connected world.

#PublicWiFi #cybersecurity #VPN #datasecurity #mobilesecurity